The Federation of Veterinarians of
Europe’s Brexit negotiation plea includes a list of key points of
action, with a request for continued mutual recognition of veterinary
degrees across Europe, high on the list.

The organisation
representing vets across Europe has issued a plea to the Government to
secure the working rights of EU and UK vets during Brexit negotiations.

The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) represents veterinary
organisations from 38 EU and non-EU countries, including the UK. It
also counts the BVA and RCVS – which helped develop the plea – among its
members.

Issued ahead of the next round of deliberations in Brussels, the FVE
document said Brexit negotiators must not jeopardise the high levels of
animal health and welfare, public health and environmental protection
enjoyed across Europe. It also highlighted the “vital” role the
profession plays in animal health and welfare, antimicrobial resistance
and food safety.

BVA senior vice-president Gudrun Ravetz said: “We are united with
colleagues across Europe in our call to secure working rights for UK and
EU vets in the Brexit negotiations. The varied and diverse roles in the
veterinary profession provide the foundation for high animal health and
welfare, and make essential contributions to the economy and wider
society.

“Vets are absolutely vital in facilitating trade – by certifying meat
through to gelatine in sweets, and ensuring standards – so consumers
have confidence in the welfare and food safety of the products they
choose to buy at times like this, when it is most needed.”

Key points

The document contained a list of five key points of action and high
on the list is a request for continued mutual recognition of veterinary
degrees, given the mobility of the profession across Europe.

As such, securing the existing living and working rights of all EU
and UK vets is, the FVE said, crucial to ensure standards of animal
health and welfare, and public health are maintained post-Brexit.

For the full story and list of key points of action, read the 20 November issue of Veterinary Times.